[Book Review] The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
This month’s book review is one I came across in a social media storm. Highly recommend across swathes of ‘Travel Books you must read’ or that will ‘inspire wanderlust’ lists I kept seeing a little ray of sunshine. A book who’s front cover is adorned with the crisp edges of the Egyptian pyramids, framed in the setting sun. A book that describes itself as a fable about following your dreams. Sage Adventures is a blog aiming to inspire readers to do just that. We want you to take hold of your life and live it your way. So, something about Paul Coelho’s book ‘The Alchemist’ struck a chord. Before long I was immersed in its pages and could hardly bare to put the book down.
Whilst not strictly a travel and adventure book, the like of which I normally review, there’s something about this magical tale which is remarkably special. It’s a powerful and compelling read.
Written as a parable this book is sure to leave its mark as it encourages you to listen to your heart, follow your dreams and read the omens (signs) of life.
The Alchemist follows Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd, who searches for something greater in life than his simple flock of sheep. One day he meets a King who inspires him to take a risk and follow his dream, or risk of never achieving it. Santiago dreams of seeing the ancient pyramids of far off lands. To reach them he must cross deserts and seas, learn which strangers to trust and how to read the language of the world.
Themes
There are three central themes running through the course of the book, pulsating with almost every turn of the page. At the real core though is this idea of a personal legend.
A personal legend is a little like a goal in life. It’s not just any old goal though or bucket list venture. It’s a goal so pivotal in life that the only way you can lead a truly satisfying and meaningful life is by achieving this personal legend. In turn, the balance of the world, and the Universe, is precariously affected by natural life forms each reaching their own personal legends. Once this is achieved they attain a higher level (think Maslowe’s hierarchy of needs and self-actualisation). It’s the highest spiritual accolade a being can reach in the Alchemist. It is the most compelling purpose in life and drives away distractions in its pursuit.
The second theme is the representation of nature as the ‘Soul of the World’. This courses through any natural being or environment — the sun, sea, sand and all its creatures. The Soul of the World is the creator of each and every individual personal legend. By overseeing this it leads to a harmony and unity in nature. To reach ones personal legend they can seek the power of the soul of the world by listening to its language. By understanding the language of the world you can act in synergy with every living organism and the natural world. When unified in such a way we are purified by this higher power. Ultimately that purification lets us achieve perfection. We become one with our own goals and dreams, but also connect on a higher level with everything around us.
The final theme is something we can all relate to and appears a little more tangible at first glance — fear. This is an obstacle we all have experienced throughout our lives. Fear can be one of the greatest obstructions to reaching our personal legends. Throughout the book, some of the weakest characters are those who have succumbed to fear. A crystal merchant Santiago works for has yet to achieve his personal legend — travelling to Mecca. The merchant is fearful that once he has achieved this and travelled to Mecca what else will there be to live for? What can one look forward to if they’ve achieved their personal legend? By not making the trip the crystal merchant is filled with regret and unable to find lasting happiness. His personal legend remains but a dream, whereas Santiago faces his fear and finally reaches the site of those great pyramids.
Why read The Alchemist by Paul Coelho?
At any point in our lives we’re faced with choosing to follow our dreams, perhaps taking a risk to do so, or continuing along a safer path. The Alchemist is a beautiful tale of adventure and the ultimate pursuit of dreams. It’s a fictional world steeped in metaphor but it’s easy to relate to and be completely absorbed in the pages of this story. I found this book a truly touching inspiration — one that was both mythical and yet realistic. The notions of personal legends and the soul of the world articulates things I was previously unable to describe. It’s made me think and made me question. How many books can really touch you in such a profound way?
If you’re facing a choice or wondering about that dream that’s been burning inside of you take a trip with Santiago. Read The Alchemist and see how it touches you. Maybe, just maybe it will give you the inspiration you need to seek out your own personal legend.
What are your personal legends in life? Got a tale of seeking one or attaining it? Share it below and inspire us all.
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Originally posted on Sage Adventures travel & wellness lifestyle blog: www.sageadventres.co.uk.
